20/20 ‘Ruby Franke: From Momfluencer to Felon’
Ruby Franke’s KZhead channel “8 Passengers” was a portrait of social media success. For years, the wife and mother of six, amassed nearly 2.5 million followers documenting the daily life of her children. However, the image of the perfect family began to crack when her controversial videos displayed her strict parenting. In August of 2023, one of Ruby’s children, malnourished with duct tape and wounds on his wrists and ankles, escaped the home of Franke’s friend and business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, and asked a neighbor for help. A new “20/20,” with reporting from “Nightline” co-anchor Juju Chang, unravels the unimaginable abuse at the hands of Ruby and Jodi, told through never-before-seen body camera video, recorded calls, and Ruby’s own journal detailing the horrific abuse.
Watch Full Episode Here: shorturl.at/erwBS
---
Subscribe to ABC News on KZhead: abcnews.visitlink.me/59aJ1G
Watch 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events on ABC News Live: • LIVE: Latest News Head...
Watch full episodes of World News Tonight with David Muir here: • ABC World News Tonight...
Read ABC News reports online: abcnews.go.com
ABC News Digital is your daily source of breaking national and world news, exclusive interviews and 24/7 live streaming coverage. ABC News is the home to the #1 evening newscast “World News Tonight” with David Muir, “Good Morning America,” “20/20,” “Nightline,” “This Week” with George Stephanopoulos, “ABC News Live Prime” with Linsey Davis, plus the daily news podcast “Start Here.”
Connect with ABC News on social media:
Facebook: / abcnews
Instagram: / abcnews
TikTok: / abcnews
X: / abc
Threads: www.threads.net/@abcnews
LinkedIn: / abcnews
Just imagine how many don't escape and we never find out.
Thousands and thousands
Home of the glass houses
Lori and Chad Daybell did the same/worse to their kids in the same exact town
I can’t begin to imagine. If this doesn’t shatter the heart, nothing will. It’s beyond the most heartbreaking and disgusting crimes there is. These poor kids deserve to be held and greatly loved.
DOJ has plenty of statistics on that. at least 125,000 per year in the USA. Women are found guilty of child abuse, in general, more than men. Not sexual necessarily. This bs.
That man's 911 call broke my heart. There are some good people in the world and I'm thankful that this little guy found one of them.
Heartbreaking 💔
I was gutted. Now, seeing the body cam footage showing his wife tending to that baby while he’s on the phone to 911, intensified that feeling. It’s profoundly bittersweet.
Did u see how skeletal he was? It made me burst into tears. How did this cvnt in any way think this was ok, especially being a public figure.
@@Jamietheroadrunner And his wounds! I don't see how a mother could ever get to this point mentally. She is where she belongs and I hope those little ones are healing.
Two of them, his wife is an angel too, bless them both.
As an adult who is a survivor of child abuse I am so grateful these children are safe. I hope & pray these women NEVER get out. Good on the officer doing such good work.
I m glad u r doing fine. ❤
Jodi: "I have my attorney" Cop: That's great, step out of the house
LMFAO right
That was my favorite part
The cop has the brilliant answer
Do the polices have the legal right to do this? Doesn't he have to show the search warrant first?
The police have the right under the law of exigentmcircumstances. When there is suspicion that imminent danger or destruction of evidence is about to happen, they can enter and search without a warrant.
He was so polite the way he said, “can I ask you for two favors, well I guess just one”. That poor baby…some people really don’t deserve to be parents.
Yes! And he wanted to turn himself in since they brainwashed him into thinking he was the evil one. Very sad
The second request might have been water or something to eat.
❤❤
That was heartbreaking 😢
😢😢😢
That neighbor who answered the door is a freaking hero thank you sir who ever you are for saving those children 😢❤️
Literally made me tear up 😭😭
I think the neighbour did what any normal person would do (although we sure seem to be in short supply of normal people these days...). The little boy who escaped and went for help is the true hero here, imo.
Boohoo 😭
If anyone ever finds themselves in the horrific situation of finding a starving person, give them water but don't give them food because if they haven't eaten for over five days and they suddenly eat, they can have a cardiac arrest, it's called refeeding syndrome and was a common phenomenon when the Nazi concentration camps were liberated. Can't blame the cops for not knowing this because this situation is exceptionally rare, thankfully
Even without having seen the boy's pictures, it says a lot about the boy's condition when even this man can't help but cry about it.
IF YOU ABUSE KIDS... YOU DESERVE LIFE IN PRISON
JACKPOT!!!
Or death penalty
I love how she asked, “Do you have a search warrant?”. They don’t need one.
The moment the boy said he had 2 favors, but after asking for a ride to the police station he said “well, actually 1 is fine” 😭 lost it right there.
the second favor was probably some water.
@@afrodite9801that’s what I was thinking. Water or food 😢
He wanted some food and water
Same 😣🥺😭
Same
Damn… Jodi immediately knew what was happening when they showed up.. Really shows she knew how evil she actually is..
I question the pronoun. Seriously… pants check
@@psnap1111 😆
@@psnap1111 I heard aliens can morph so pants check won't help. 👽😂🤯🤣
I’m not sure she actually knew. She lives on another planet!
Oh she was calling her lawyer as soon as they pulled up!@@nw22122
I’m impressed by the Utah police taking swift action. Kudos to them for rescuing the children.
You know what? Actually no , there were reports the neighbors have already made multiple calls but they just brush it off so swift my ass .
Despite the trauma, the calmness, composure, and politeness this young man displayed was just outstanding.
Its called fawn and freeze. Its a trauma respose.
Yea or is it his trauma response by freezing...
We are so cooked bc no one cares to understand trauma
And so brave too!
There is no way Ruby or Jody deserve early release/parole.
I hope they wait until the kids are at least 25-30 y o.
They are protected by the Mormon Church, they'll be out in no time
They are rich white people, they will probably get away with it.
To true fella. Jeez. I viewed this 3 times. It's still hard to believe. Just when you believe the world can't get worse. You're soon disappointed.
Did you see her Oscar performance at her sentencing? She was thanking everyone from police, to the paramedics to clerks, she’s already working on her parole application. I hope she serves over a decade or two. The only reason they’re alive is because he escaped.
The man who called 911 has such a good heart. I’m glad he got to show this poor boy what a good hearted person looks like.
His wife too they had to watch what they said to not scare him they gave him a banana and baggies full of snacks he took with him , precious people and the first responders.!
Wow. This 11 minute clip barely touched the surface of the story, and it still made me cry for the kids. I know the story has been on the news, but I had been skipping over it and not paying attention to it. I am just learning about it for the 1st time. It is so shockingly sad. I hope the kids are okay.
Family vlogging channels are evil. They hide the abuse behind pretty pics.
I love how the neighbor's tone changes from suspicious when the boy asks for a "favor": "Well, what are they?" --to wholly compassionate once he realizes something is seriously wrong "What's goin' on, son? Have a seat there."
Those two women should never get out of prison… they monetized their own sadistic insanity…The missing father too should never allowed to see the children, silence is complicity …
Yeah but the system is very broken because people in higher power abuse kids all the time.
Well said!
You know, Pam had to know about this. I just don’t get why she got off? Kevin as well. If he didn’t know about the two young kids, he was involved with eight passengers, with the four older. And now, because of his own weakness, he neglected his own children for over a year. And he wants custody now? I just think that’s a joke. I guess I don’t understand Utah laws. all of those children should never be reunited with their parents. I think it would be best. If those children stayed in touch with Chad and Shari, and Get adopted out together.
I watched the whole episode online and Jodi convinced Kevin that he had a porn addiction and needed to stay away from the family. Ruby agreed. The separation agreement stated that he was not allowed to have contact with the kids or with Ruby unless she initiated it. He had no contact with the kids for over a year because Ruby wouldn't let him. He had no idea what was happening to his own kids until the police told him. He is currently seeking full custody of the 4 kids as well as file for divorce.
@@bummblebee77 And how easily he just rolled over and made himself uncontactable to his children. 🤮 That man should not only never have custody of any children but nor should be be trusted to be around them.
What makes this situation even sadder is that guy who made the 911 call cared more about that kid in the 10-15 minutes he met him than his mother probably ever did in his entire life. Some people just don't deserve to have kids.
OR his father. All through the interview Kevin was more concerned about what was going on with his estranged wife than how his kids were.
True neighbor cared More.
Probably the best documentary-style coverage I’ve found of this and I can’t even watch it because I’m not a USA citizen. Really guys, would have been useful to upload to KZhead or somewhere that all of us can watch this vital NEWS. Not just limited to one country, please
Same here
The little girl broke my heart, afraid of getting in trouble if she spoke to the police. How anyone could ever be as evil as these people, to do this to these children is beyond any realm of understanding.
Without R being a little hero, him and his sister would surely have died at the hands of those two psychopaths. It's heartbreaking. I don't care about their fake contritions at sentencing. They chose to torture these kids almost to death. It should have been a life sentence .
I absolutely agree. People quit listening to them long before R saved them from these psychos. Why do they think we would care what they had to say at sentencing?
They were in the process of acquiring remote property and an rv in an attempt to further isolate the children AND with explicit intention to inflict much harsher treatment. This is from the mother's diary.
@@juliewhite7469OH MY GOD. Thank you for sharing this
It would be great if goofballs would write ***SPOILER ALERT*** BEFORE such comments as plenty of people, such as myself, read comments while watching YT videos.
@@DarkKnightBruce My suggestion to you would be. Watch the video first! Than read comments! I also on another video did the same thing I hate spoilers. Now I watch the video!
"What's going on son? Have a seat there." That was all I had to hear the neighbor say to know that young man was in the right place.
Because he was talking like some old folks do? haha you're lucky you were never kidnapped with that horrible trust issue you got there lmao
The way a person talks means nothing! They're just words.
@@grandmaLilithat least the old guy talks nicer to people than you do
I wonder who has the children ?
@@grandmaLilithyou are confused and bitter.
The neighbor is a kind beautiful soul. Thank you Sir for helping that little boy & for treating him with such loving care. ❤
This story just broke my heart, he initially asked for two favors, then reduced it to one, 😭😭
LOVE that Jodi was already on the phone with an attorney. That monster KNEW what was going on and deserves every bit of what’s coming
I dunno -- I don't have kids, and I'm very gentle with my near-octogenarian husbands and rescue pupper, and I'm a law-abiding citizen, but if the police come pounding on my door, I'll be calling an attorney right fast, too.
She only got 4 years in prison she deserves 30
Check out the "prison" they're in. They actually pay to be there.
@@mackmckay588I'm pretty sure she got 60 years
I don't usually comment on social media. However , I couldn't just ignore. They both deserve life in prison.How could they do this horrific unimaginable things?. That Jodi looks well off ...look at that house they were in. This is so heavy and sad.
Beautiful man who rang 911. And his wife. What a brave little boy. All the officers were so professional. Handled the children with so much care. Just beautiful!!
They all seemed like the perfect people to help those children. Imagine if that poor little boy went to a house where someone like Jodi lives.
This is obviously a small detail in the grand scheme but the neighbor even made sure he had no food allergies before giving him food. A simple but deeply kind consideration from a total stranger.
@jgbgw591 allergies can be deadly, and when the body is already weak any allergic reaction can be even deadlier than usual so it's a very good thing they thought to ask that. Something you should always ask when feeding a stranger, yet many often don't think of, especially in a situation like this because they're too wrapped up in the emotions of it all.
I am so grateful for that good neighbor making sure he is safe.
The neighbour who answered the door 💕 incredible compassion
Their father knew this was going on, he needs to be in jail. Shame on him, he should have protected his children.
Complicit
Yup
what about the entire police department? This is so obvious and sickening, don't try to divert the attention to that coward.
of course he knew everything! it's sick that he has the right to children!
I disagree. Obviously you've never been at the mercy of a zealous, Christian, psychologist, before, so there but for the Grace of God go you. But it's evident to me that Jodi Hildebrandt completely snowed this man into believing she was haunted, he had a sex addiction, & that he needed to leave his wife in order to be a good dad. After he left, they cleaned out his savings account & the cops found $85 THOUSAND DOLLARS in CASH in Jodi's office. He was so clearly conned that I think this just shows that ppl are judgmental, NOT that their judgment is accurate.
0:59 “what’s going on son, have a seat there.” Straight father mode, no hesitation. I want this man to be my neighbour 😭
When R heard the gentleman's calm, reassuring voice, he stopped rocking from foot to foot anxiously, and sort of crumples into the shaded chair. I was glad to see the lady was out like a shot with water and food. What wonderful, kind folks they are.
Wholesome
As a black person I was wondering if a black kid would have got the same treatment or the home owner would have seen it as a robbery setup
@@Ahoto_papa_biI think any good Christian would help no matter the skin color.
@@fiona3092 are aware of your biases as human?
Imagine having not one evil mother but 2. They should rot in jail.
The young boy saved all his siblings from those evil so called mommy influencers. He was so well spoken and knew what he was going through was wrong.
That neighbor showed more compassion and empathy towards that boy than his own mother.
Yes, because he is not a monster, like the "mom".
I can save the mom influencer
@@PiplupPlus wtf are you on about... let her rot in jail.. you cant save a psychopatic person
@@sadev101i can save her, i wont give up on this poor soul
Remember so many NEIGHBOURS are considered as negative by the same people...they selectively appreciate neighbour
I am against family vlogger channels!!! too many of these channels in the end all they care about is exploiting their kids for money! KZhead needs to do so much more in protecting minors in the internet.
Sponsors have yet to disown Ruby.
KZhead doesn't care as long as it makes a lot of cash with those extremely popular mommy vloggers.
Those "loving" moms get their so much needed attention. Sometimes I have the feeling they get pregnant just for social media. Every cute new baby is generating more subs and views. So Ruby has 6 kids.
I agree!! Children should not be filmed for they can not give consent.
Josh from DCP fights very hard to bring all the Child exploiters down. Unfortunately KZhead /TicTok etc only care about $$! I do believe more people are opening up their eyes and fighting against them.
Thank you ABC for speaking with these officers/ responders.
Not only did that twelve year old boy Russell save himself but he also saved his siblings. That boy is a hero.
Ruby Franke shall never be allowed to see her children again
I hope and I pray!!
Or daylight
She was only given 5- 30 years and you know she’ll be out before that and will have them right back sad sad sad!
She shouldn't ever be allowed to breathe free air again. That woman is horrible.
father shouldn't either.
It’s very disturbing that the eldest daughter says her and her family were trying to get help from police and CPS for years before the arrest. Thank goodness they are all still alive.
Exactly I hate how they start this with it shocked everyone, No she was posting her insanity constantly and people were trying to get those kids help.
I don’t believe it, they are just excusing themselves as they make tons of money out of KZhead and trying to avoid people hating and not following
I personally believe they tried to contact them a few times but clearly not enough. You need to push for thibgs like this and if they truely cares they would have figured out a way to get those poor kids out of that situation. I would have called daily and gone public if i wasnt getting anywhere.
@@90palaexactly this. Maybe they called a few times but regardless it wasnt enough. Most other people would call daily begging for someone to check on these poor children if they truely cared.
Mormons pretty much run Utah, the police and legal system are full of them. That's why the cops handed Jodi's niece back to her after the niece bravely tried to escape herself. The ONLY reason Ruby saw consequences was because she recorded her actions and was reported by a non-mormon, basically forcing their hand. The mormon church knows all about Jodi, they love her work.
You can hear how much this affected that neighbor. Damn good man with a big heart.
The footage of the little girl just slowly eating the food they gave her while in that dark empty closet breaks my heart every time... these women are vile monsters.
Yeah. It was the pictures for me. Obvious torture, pure evil. Bet franke gets off tho
It hurts to eat,to swallow when you've gone without eating for awhile.
TRUMP 2024 MAGA
WAS THIS IN CHICAGO??? OH WRIGHT.
@@MR.GetOVERiT13go away
I grew up with an extremely harsh mother. Used to beat me and my brother so bad that teachers in grade school questioned me often. I lied due to fear of future beatings. My mother had a special belt with dual metal rings all the way around it. It left small circular bruises all over my legs and torso. After 1 really bad beating my brother and i decided to hide that belt. That was a huge mistake. She beat us until we have it back. That's when the real beating started. She died 7 years ago and all i felt was relief as a grown man.
Hold Fast, Brother. Keep focusing on the positives (including people) that are around you, and Life will even the score for you in the end. Hoping your brother peace as well.
I'm glad you made it out of that.
I’m so sorry that this happened to you! You didn’t deserve that. No child does. How can people do this to their children?
OMG, that is considered "child abuse" when an ADULT BEATS YOU THAT BAD PHYSICALLY. When an adult physically hits a child with RAGE, that is "out of control" discipline. You should have reported your awful mother. No excuses.
I'm so sorry.
It breaks me when he said 'well just one is fine actually'. Glad the kind neighbours opened the door just in time. Bless them all. ❤
I can’t stand seeing this I was physically and mentally abused by my mother for years,until I was old enough to fight back . I was 16 years old left home and never looked back. I hope all these kids are being well taken care of God bless them.
the old man that answered the door restored my faith in humanity
Jesus loves you
THE USUAL FJB SCREAMER MOM
@@jetstream5255 and he loves you too 🩷🩷🩷 christ is king
we are here to protect when the TIME is presented.
@@MR.GetOVERiT13 ???
She should get the same treatment in jail that she did to her kids, and never ever be let out , the irony of her calling her kids the devil. Truly horrific!
The result of religion
They were following Satan, and that is very dangerous@@allwinds3786
THE MAGA CROWD
@@MR.GetOVERiT13sniffing with Biden 🎉🎉
@@allwinds3786 If we looked at government the way you look at religion, we'd be anarchists. In fact, if you really know what governments are into nowadays, they're more dangerous and abusive to society than a religion has ever been in history, certainly evil on a scale of humanity never seen before. Curiously, anti-religious people tend to lead opinion that our governments need to be bigger, with more power and money, which they use to make more oppressive rules, war, and profits for themselves, similar to the worst criticisms of religion, but on a scale no religion has ever achieved.
Breaks one's heart how egregious and cruel a parent can be. No words can describe how a father/mother will treat you. One cannot even be angry, you only feel sadness and pity for your parent. A wonderful life for all children that have been abandoned, shamed, belittled, and humilated throughout their lives. Strength, Courage and Love will be your worlds❤
I can't stop crying thinking about this kids 😢😢 what type mother could do this
Hopefully theyr're safe now, and these 2 monsters will never hurt anyone again.
When this man said " whats going on son. Have a seat there" i melted. I wish everyone was as good as this man. Wow
I got scared lol
Most people are this good despite what you may read or hear.
ALL 3 adults need to go to PRISON the two women of course but don't forget about the complicit father. Anything else is a complete breakdown of justice. Save these kids.
The father had been kicked out of the house for about a year. Jodi had convinced them that he was basically possessed with porn demons etc and he hadn't seen his kids in like 6 months. He is guilty of being a coward, but nothing convictable in court.
The father wasn't complicit because he didn't come around for a year. And what about Jodi Hildebrands husband? He had to have known too
@@Naturefan354 The father should still be liable for neglecting them.
@@joanna0988 from what is known, he did not neglect during this period. the therapist (jodi) said that he needed time away from his family while getting over a porn addiction. he believed her as she was a licensed therapist. he did what he agreed to - send money for bills, clothes, and food for his children.
@@joanna0988 Yeah I do agree with that
Love the old guy that opened the door for that child. Much respect hard to express how much. So happy for that child that he's free from the pain he experienced and he saved his sibling.
It was so smart of the homeowners to keep every interaction within camera view so nothing could be put on him or misconstrued
My husband and I adopted 3 (8, 7. & 4 yo)severely emotionally, physically, and violently abused children. We did everything we could, but they'll never, ever recover from the trauma they survived in their first 4-8 years of life. They're all grown now and still carry the scars with them. They will until the day they die. These emotionless children - almost robotic - will never recover from the horrors they've experienced. All for what?? This just makes me...well, it's beyond words.
Thank you for you and your husband's big heart.... Takes true love May Jesus heal the hearts of your kids and these kids in the video
As an adoptee who buried my dad yesterday, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.
@@JM-vp8zcPlease let me offer my condolences for your loss. I hope all the events surrounding your father's funeral went smoothly. Grieve in your own way. Maybe set up his favorite movie or a playlist of his favorite music, order his favorite pizza, and think of your favorite moments with him. Something like that.
Only Jesus can heal these wounds - and give these children a new fixed heart.
@@DeutscherGospel so true!
I will never forget that video of her little boy saying "can i have some breakfast mommy" and she responds "No you don't need food" with a smile on her face. Those poor babies. 😢
Did you watch the show? Was Jody ever on it?
Jodi was never on Rubys 8 passengers youtube channel, though I believe when she sent her eldest son Chad off to a wilderness camp a "therapist" AKA Jodi was semi mentioned
@@annaslays902yeah you’re right in one of the vlogs she was mentioned. Chad said that Jodie talked to him about truth and distortion.
I think Jodi and Ruby were lovers! It makes sense why the children were tied up!!
@@annaslays902 Theres a bunch of stuff coming out about abuse at those wilderness camps as well.
Great video, I was in a beautiful marriage before my now ex wife left me, we were ALWAYS like two kids playing in a sandbox. We were best friends and we understand each other. We help each other 100%. i still love her and most times I cant stop thinking about her, i am doing my very best to get rid of the thought of her, but i just cant, i love her so much, i don't know why i am bringing this here for, i cant stop thinking about her.
its always difficult to let go of someone you love, i was in a similar situation, my wife for 31 years left me, i couldnt just let her go, i did all i could to get her back, i had to seek the help of a spiritual doctor who helped me bring her back.
thats amazing please how did you get a spiritual doctor and how do i reach him?.
its not a him, it a she, Her name is Queen Stella Laveaux,and she is a great spiritual adviser who can bring back your ex.
Thank you for this valuable information,i just looked her up now online. impressive
This is definitely real person not advertising a scam business.
After watching this entire episode on TV via my cable, I can tell you that R & E are now together in Foster Care and are doing much better now that they are happy and back to their hobbies. Hearing that part (which isn’t in this video for some reason) really warmed my heart and while they may be living happy lives now, I know for a fact that they most likely won’t want to see their mother or even have a relationship with her ever again especially after what they went through. Ruby (along with her now Ex Husband) should NEVER be seen around children ever again or even take care of them for that matter since they literally raised them in an environment that I would consider well beyond dysfunctional
This hurts me a little more because I and my siblings were locked in a basement, beaten and starved almost to death in Philadelphia when we were just babies in the 90's. I was 6. And I am the oldest. Thank God for allowing my Grandmother to find out where we were and save our lives. 😢😢😢 Thank you Lord so much for giving this sweet boy the courage to run and ask for help. Please give these children strength. Please God keep them protected! 🙏🏼🙏🏼 Amen.
I'm really glad you're okay, but can we PLEASE stop giving credit to god instead of the actual human that did the good deed? Thank your grandma for finding you, and thank R for being brave . Not God.
Wow. It was religion that created this mess. Went completely over your head.
It was evil in people's heart...
@@chuck4714 Let her thank who she wants to, that's not for you to decide.
Oh my gosh hope you're okay. Blessings and hugs
These are exactly the type of people who want to be influencers. We give them fame and fortune. Social media is an absolute cancer on society.
Most UNDERRATED COMMENT EVER. YOU, @lakojake4215 are absolutely correct. What a POWERFUL STATEMENT made, in so FEW WORDS.
Exactly 😢
LDS also look to themselves. Religion played a huge part in this.
Honestly, so far this is the best reporting I’ve watched for this case. I wish I could watch the entire documentary
Enough to put a grown man in tears… So horrific this went on for so long Bless everyone who was there to save these children ❤
The image of Ruby and Jodi sitting on Jodi's couch liveestreaning to their Connections KZhead channel while the entire time these children were locked up in the basement against their will is beyond horrifying.
Couldn’t see his sister in over a month in the same compound! All that luxury, and still no love. Just torture,torment and inhumanity.
My heart broke so much more hearing that 😔
The other two children were off cleaning houses with Pam Baucher. SHAME ON UTAH and the Mormon Cult.
House, not compound
@@jesseochoa3214 It's a torture compound now, it lost its "home" status a long time ago.
It was literally a prelude to a cult environment, with Jodi Hildebrandt as the leader.
Im sorry her own journal of horrifying abuse is absolutely chilling. Praying for her children. She deserves severe punishment for her crimes. Likewise for her "friend".
What an immense good human being this neighbor is. The poor boy could have lost both feet as he was suffering gangreen at both his ankles. The calmness and maturity of the neighbor is touching !
Police comes to your house and first thing you say " i have my attorney"? What!?
She's well versed in how Mormons deal with child abuse - "call your lawyer". They have a long long history of this.
Did the lawyer advise her to open the door? I'll guess the lawyer was the one who prompted her to ask about the lack of an arrest warrant. The lack of which would mean the police believed someone was in imminent danger, which of course meant Jodi and Ruby were well truly (and deservedly) fucked.
@@sharkofjoyyeah let’s not lump all Mormons together shall we? There are PLENTY of groups that we can stereotype and I promise, you wouldn’t like that list very much.
i love her 'woah woah woah' when they pull her out the door. so entitled.
Religious extremism is pretty definitively linked with abuse, whether it's mormons, christians, scientologists, etc. To pretend it isn't is ignoring a huge problem@@theoboegoddess
The reason Jodi’s house was so void of any pictures, decorations, etc, is because they were all packed up and they were planning to make the move to Arizona (Ruby mentioned it in her journals). Jodi even mentioned it in a jail phone call that all of her stuff was put into storage and she was arrested and taken to jail! R was a super hero and thank God he escaped when he did! I am quite sure that the Arizona property was much more isolated and secluded, with probably zero neighbors around!
I just made a comment about not having furniture and stuff, I didn't know that they were going on to move or whatever. If they would have continued on their path and would have been successful in that move those kids may have never made it out alive. The next place they were going was probably very secluded and isolated.
@@Joey-hd6lh It was... 500 acres of land in Arizona. That was why the house was so empty. It was put on the market just before R escaped, and brought it all down on them.
i live in az, the forests have every kind of dangerous wildlife you can imagine, so theres lots of places where you can live completely isolated. those kids would have died
@@sexygirlmax2019 Those houses were huge in that area. How did that woman afford such a mansion?
R is incredibly brave. I think he picked up on the impending move and knew instinctively that it would be bad. Just my theory, but R seems very switched on. ❤
I can't believe how chill everyone sounds. Unless your a sheltered suburban mom, there's nothing gut wrenching about this.
A COMPLETE STRANGER has more care and compassion for this boy in under TWO MINUTES than his own mother had for him in TWELVE YEARS! A policeman with YEARS of experience and deals with all kinds of DV and abuse had to excuse himself. She KNEW what she was doing, Jodi knew what she was doing. I can't and will NEVER believe these children's FATHER didn't know anything about the abuse. Dude you have EYES!! You definitely knew your children were going thru it and you as one of their BORN PROTECTORS FAILED THEM! Divorcing her is sweeping it under the rug what that man KNEW was happening and chose to do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. Just as sickening as the Turpins
Yep.
Those two women tortured children. If we cant give them the most extreme punishments we have we are lost as a society. Children, the elderly and the mentally disabled are the most vulnerable people in our society. If you harm them, you should face extreme consequences. Not just for the egregious nature of the crime, but to deter other evil people from doing something similar in the future.
It's not just those two women... It's the whole "church". They tell parents that these 2 are a good way to control their kids... All the adults in the lives of the children failed them.
@kpepperl319 you're right. Church and religion only exacerbates these issues like crazy
You kidding? She and Jodi are women, *and* they're rich. They'll get a slap on the wrist and be told not to do it again. 100 hours of community service and MAYBE a month in jail with 2 years probation. Calling it.
@kpepperl319 that is the biggest BS I've ever heard. I'm a part of that church and NO ONE reveres these two and EVERYONE thinks what they did was disgusting. This is absolutely NOT taught in the church and if you don't believe me, your are more then welcome to come check it out for yourself. I don't understand why people use other people's pain to try push prejudice beliefs. Could you explain why it is that you do that?
No one in their right mind treats anyone this way, let alone children. Both of these demented and sadistic individuals should spend the rest of their lives in prison.
💯 agree
the evidence that keeps coming out just gets worse and worse ... hard not to break down and cry
All 3 adults.😉
The worst thing is, I actually used to watch their videos, I can’t believe this has been happening and I sat around and watched their videos. I feel so bad for her children and am so glad they’re out of thst situation hopefully 🤞. I’ve been watching videos about it and am still in shock! So happy they caught ruby and brought her to jail.
Jodi: I have my attorney on the phone Officer: that's great - step out of the house i set this clip for my morning alarm and I'm guaranteed to have a great day
I couldn’t stop crying. I’m so angry 😭 I’m beginning to think ring doorbells can save an abused child’s life 😞
I had to stop watching after 5 minutes. I don't even want to see anymore.
I got sick when they showed his ankles without flesh on the bone. It was upsetting.
To be fair any doorbell would of worked
@@girlygal098my reaction as well, felt nauseated 🤢
15 years?!? They each deserve 1500 years!
They were sentenced to four counts of 1-15 years, to be served consecutively; that makes their sentence 4-60 years, however, there is a law in Utah that caps the maximum time served for consecutive sentences at 30 years. So, they were effectively given a sentence of 4-30 years each, to be determined by the parole and pardons board.
@@compassionandhumilityThese kids are going to have to have to live their whole lives with their trauma, as such the mother should have to live with being in prison for the rest of her life imo.
Those women are gona get beat in prison for this
they will be out in 3 4 years. It's sad, Minimum sentence is 18 months.
Where's the rest?
These people need to rot in jail. How can they do this to the kids. It’s very heartbreaking.
My heart just shattered seeing the little girl sitting on the floor, just petrified and then eating that pizza. So hungry and deprived. I cried. If the boy didn't run for help...we all know what could have been the end results. Jodi and Ruby deserved life in prison.
To treat innocent children like this is simply sad, evil, & inhumane. I’m sending these babies so much love. I’m praying they get the love they deserve + more. 😭🙏🏽
I will also be praying as well. I agree with you 100%
fr let’s make some beautiful mixed babies n raise them right no kizzy
Everyone new to this, look for Adam Steeds story and how Jodi wrecked his life and look for Jessie Hildebrandts story on Mormon Story podcast, the niece of Jodi. She was horribly abused by Jodi when she was young! Jodi used to be a therapist at one of the most prestigious rehabs in America. I’m certain there has to be many people very hurt by this woman!
Yes, thank you!! Please repeat
Yes! Please repeat this information
Thank you for sharing! So sad! Please continue to share!
Brian Tibbets’ episode talks about Jodi too. Sadly, Mormon Stories were court ordered to remove Adam’s episode, but Hidden True Crime has an interview with him too that is still up. When the daughter wouldn’t speak to the officer, it echoed what Jessie said about Jodi not allowing her to speak to anyone, even, if they were talking to her directly. Jodi is a monster.
Yep! And Jodi was on the list of recommended therapists that the Mormon church would provide to families.
It’s my second time crying, my heart breaks see it
This is so heartbreaking and stories like this one are unfortunately becoming more common. How anyone could do this to a human or animal is beyond comprehension. Glad that poor boy escaped and found that good man who called the police!
I watched eight passengers for years, and I noted that the oldest daughter was more than a mother to her siblings than Ruby. Ruby did not take care of her children from all that I observed. She let them go to bed with their clothes on , no sheets on the bed , she just didn’t take care of them at all. You know the rest. I am now of the belief that Ruby‘s husband is a very weak, weak man. Those children must NEVER BE turned over to their parents. I want to know what’s happening with the two teenage daughters.
May I ask why you watched?
Get some help
You helped them getting filthy rich while watching , who watches shows like that 😮
i also watched. people in the replies don't understand there were hardly any signs in the vlogs and most viewers were children themselves. i was a 14 year old and I watched them just how I would watch Bratayley or other vloggers. it was interesting to see into other kids' lives for some reason. of course I knew they were very strict and I remember being shocked when the oldest got her first phone and had to pay for the phone bill and leave her door completely open when using it. i just thought it was some strict Mormon parenting thing. i remember later hearing about the oldest son's room being taken away and when he was sent to wilderness camp which was more extreme. but the type of things the younger two suffered recently were NOT visible to viewers in the vlogs. all of the kids looked healthy. it's not like the DaddyOFive situation where IN the videos we saw him screaming and berating his kids and laughing at the kids crying. ruby just seemed like a mom who was too strict, which is why it's so shocking to hear about everything she did.
Neither one of those parents should be allowed near those children or any children for that matter.
The fact that the poor kid said “it’s personal” when the neighbor asked what was wrong shows how they taught them that whatever happens in the home and their business shouldn’t be shared with anyone. Smh.
Your show is by far the best about this story. 👍
People think these things happen in another state, town etc. We never know what sick people out there may be right beside us.
The compassionate neighbor is the divine intervention who was the catalyst for exposing the abuse and saving the children. As a female and a mother, I am outraged and appalled that either Ruby Franke or Jodi Hildebrandt were not sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, and also, that the husband, Kevin Franke, has been allowed to whine and excuse his complicit involvement. Shame on our corrupt, ineffective agencies and justice system.
Exactly!
In Ruby Franke’s journal, she interpreted her kids being kids, a little rebellious and childish, as demonic possession. I mean that’s just disturbing.
This is so disturbing and difficult to watch… How could anyone do this? My Dad wasn’t the best, but I actually had a great childhood… Watching this, My Dad deserves a medal…
The neighbor was willing to give him the two favors, but the boy chose just one... 😢. Broke my heart.
That man probably showed him more love than his own "mother" ever has. She's absolutely sick.
"It'll shock the world" Me who got SO much hate for calling her an abuser way back when they first started 8 Passengers: "yeah....BIG shock...."
Exposing your children to an audience of millions is already borderline abuse in itself. Doing that for self propagation raises all kinds of red flags.
Good for you for calling her out. Brave.
So did i, it was amazing to hear all the sheep come to protect her.
Damn that's crazy 😮 I wish they didn't delete it so I can see what you were noticing
I heard cps had been called 25 times?? Before this!!
JODY : "I'VE GOT MY LAWYER ON THE PHONE !!" ME: " GOOD...CUZ YOU'RE GOING TO NEED ONE !!!!!"
The shaky voice of the neighbor who made the call says a lot
As badly as the boy was treated by his own mother, it must have been difficult and scary to go to the neighbor for help.
He was very brave
He was about to die our need for survival can give us one last strength or adrenaline push to act
That's why we can't always believe what we see on social media. Some people want there lives to appear sensational but in reality they have skeletons in their closets and are living lives of sorrow and unhappiness.
Never.
Never believe Social media!!
The wild part is that she actually bragged about a lot of what she did on social media. Crazy it went unchecked for so long.
@@AngelicaAngel888_ She was an influencer and her viewers believed her life and how she was living, raising her family etc
@@AngelicaAngel888_ A lot of people who saw her videos reported her to CPS because they could see through her. Her oldest daughter reported her, too, and tried to get help to the younger kids.
Just heartbreaking 💔 I am utterly speechless 😔
She answers with her phone in hand, saying she has her attorney on the phone.....uh....does this scream GUILTY? GOOD LORD!
They forgot to mention that they put cayenne pepper mixed with honey on the wounds, then covered that with plastic. Torturing him, basically. Sick ❌Edit: I know honey is antibacterial, but it’s not the way with SEVERAL wounds. That boy was rotting alive.
Uggghkk! I knew their tortures were beyond bad but this alone is well . Horror cruel outright mean , the long lasting pain of what you describe, uhhhh. Not sure I could get thru ,read the whole report available through the court.... Mean mean mean.
😮🥹
I believe that they put it on his wounds to heal them. Honey has anti-viral/anti-bacterial properties. Cayenne has anti-oxidants.I am not sure why b/c that would mean that they care/have compassion but don't.
@@deniseborchardt4491 technically you are correct BUT all cayenne healing patches say do NOT put on open wounds!!! This was more torture guaranteed and I studied herbs as medicine since 12 n now 61.
@deniseborchardt4491 probably not because of care but moreso to hide the severity/heal any open and clear to see wounds? To protect themselves in case anyone happened to see the child?
Their plan was to move to the desert in AZ and put them in an outdoor prison, on their private land. They surely would have died.
She forced herself to be a mom, but she doesn’t realize that she didn’t deserve to be your mom
Bless the neighbors, cool and calm straight to action 🙏bless the officers, they have to deal with this too
"I have my attorney [on the phone in hand]"... That's the most incriminating statement ever!!!
reminds me of the guy in the town movie after he gets arrested, when the cop comes in the first and only thing the other guy says is 'lawyer'
No, it's not.
I mean I am not a criminal but if police showed up I wouldn't talk to them and request a lawyer doesn't mean you're guilty
She is yes and deserves prison